COMPREHENSION PASSAGE CLASS VII
Read the following passage carefully.
Nepal, a small, mountainous country tucked between India and China, may seem completely foreign
to many Americans. Cows walk down busy streets unharmed, 24 different languages are spoken, and
people eat two meals of rice and lentils every day. Nepali holidays, many of which are related to the
Hindu religion, can seem especially bizarre to Americans unfamiliar with the culture. However, if we
look beyond how others celebrate to consider the things they are celebrating, we find surprising
similarities to our own culture.
The biggest holiday in Nepal is Dashain, a ten – day festival for the Hindu goddess Durga that takes
place in September or October. According to Hindu beliefs, Durga defeated the evil demons of the
world. To thank the goddess, people visit temples in her honour and sacrifice goats or sheep as
offerings. Throughout the year, most Nepalis do not eat much meat because it is expensive, but
Dashain is a time to enjoy meat every day. Children fly colourful, homemade kites during Dashain.
People also construct enormous bamboo swings on street corners and in parks. Every evening
people gather at these swings and take turns swinging. Nepalis say that by swinging, people can
relieve the earth of their weight, if only for a few minutes out of the year. Dashain is a time for
people to eat good food, relax, and enjoy themselves!
Aside from eating and enjoying themselves, during Dashain people also receive blessings from their
elders. Schools and offices shut down so people can travel to be with their families. Reuniting with
family reminds people of the importance of kindness, respect, and forgiveness. People also clean
and decorate their homes for Dashain. And, like many holidays in the United States, it is a time for
shopping. Children and adults alike get new clothes for the occasion.
People express appreciation for all that they have, while looking forward to good fortune and peace
in the year to come. During American holidays, people may not sacrifice goats or soar on bamboo
swings, but we do often travel to be with family members and take time off work or school to relax.
No matter how we celebrate, many people around the world spend their holidays honouring family,
reflecting on their blessings, and hoping for good fortune in the future.
Based on your reading and understanding of the passage given above, choose the right answer from
the options.
1. According to the passage, Hindus believe that the goddess Durga
a. sacrifices goats and sheep
b. defeated the evil demons of the world
c. visits temples
d. enjoys meat every day
2. Which of the following sentences from the passage best indicate why the author thinks Nepal
would seem very foreign to many Americans?
a. “Cows walk down busy streets unharmed, 24 different languages are spoken, and people eat two
meals of rice and lentils every day.”
b. “Every evening people gather at these swings and take turns swinging.”
c. “People also clean and decorate their homes for Dashain.”
d. “During American holidays, people may not sacrifice goats or soar on bamboo swings, but we do
often travel to be with family members and take time off work or school to relax.”
3. As used in paragraph 1, bizarre most nearly means.
a. unbelievable
b. unknown
c. awkward
d. strange
4. The colourful kites and bamboo swings are both used as Examples: of
a. ways people relax and enjoy themselves during Dashain
b. things people honour and reflect on during Dashain
c. offerings to the goddess Durga
d. ways people reunite with family during Dashain
5. The author suggests that although people in different cultures celebrate holidays differently, one
similarity is that many people
a. ask for blessings from their elders during holidays
b. agree that holidays reveal a lot about a culture
c. believe that holidays must be celebrated
d. think of holidays as a time to spend with their families
Q6 Why Nepalis, don’t eat much meat throughout the year?
Q7 Why people reunite with the family during the festival?
Q8 What do Nepalis believe in regarding swinging?
Q 9 Write synonyms of the given words from the passage:
a. Praise (para 4)
b. Demons ( para 2)
Q10 Write antonyms of the given words from the passage:
a. Seldom
b. Rudeness
